Silver Lake, being just seven miles north of Farwell, make it a convenient lake to make a run for supplies and being close to US 10 and Rt 115 makes it easy to get to. Bass, Pike and Perch are more reasons to enjoy this lake.

The size of boats and the hours motorized boats are allowed on the lake are restricted on this lake, which is a plus for a small lake. To learn more you can read the township ordinance #22.

Perhaps another reason to look into  Silver Lake is that lately there seems to have been some interesting sales that may reflect a bargain for buyers. And,  who doesn’t want a bargain today?

The township maintains a lake front park on the east side of the lake. There is no other known public access to the lake. Nearby, to the north, is the Pere Marquette River.  To the south is Black Lake County Park, which is located entirely within the Manistee National Forest.

Do not confuse this School Section Lake with the School Section Lake in Mecosta County. Both are nice, but different, Michigan lakes.

Big Bass is an irregular shaped lake, not round, not long and narrow so when you live on the lake you stand on your dock without seeing every home on the lake, nor can they see yours.

Big Bass Lake is also unique in that it has an island. For some reason, whenever a lake has an island or islands, it always seems a bit more interesting and appealing.

There is a public access site on the southwest side of the lake on Six Mile Road and Bass Lake Road. It is a small, two acre site with a hard surface boat launch, vault style restroom and limited parking. With its name, I would be disappointed if it was not full of bass.

In Michigan, we have cities designated as naturally cool. One reason Big Bass Lake earns our “Waterland’s Naturally Cool Area” award is that it has more than twenty other Michigan lakes within ten miles.   They say you are  known by the company you keep and Big Bass Lake is near Loon Lake, Harper Lake, Little Bass Lake, Cool Lake, the Sauble Lakes, and many smaller and quieter Michigan Lakes.

Big Bass Lake has a even has blog! Big Bass Lake and Beyond.  Check it out.  It has history, stories of the lake, the people and even recipes! Even though I don’t cook, I like to eat, so I watch the recipes and make suggestions to the cook in the family!

Well located in central Barry County, Head Lake is close to many other Michigan lakes, both large and small, as well as being close to Hastings and Delton for all your weekend supplies. It is also close to the Gun Lake area and all that area has to offer.

This Michigan lake, situated just outside the Manistee National Forest, is surrounded by homes tucked in their natural wooded surroundings. This lake is not overbuilt by any means, nor does it seem it will be, as many of the homes are on built on acreage sized parcels versus the smaller lakefront sites found on many of the lakes in the area.

Owning a home or cottage on this Michigan lake should prove to be a good investment as well as providing enjoyment during all four of Michigan’s seasons.

One misty morning last week, I headed out to Wabasis Lake to see if I could capture some of October’s  rapidly changing fall colors reflecting in the lake waters. For just a moment, as  the sun came up, it turned the lake into a shimmering gold pool. It was there only for a moment and then it was gone, but the moment was priceless.

The waterfowl were enjoying the early morning quiet as much as I was, and I spent a little time just enjoying their antics as the splashed and dove into the peaceful waters.

One thing I like about Michigan’s fall, there is still time to enjoy a Michigan lake, especially in the quiet of a cool fall morning.

One early morning, I was setting up to take a few pictures of the Badger preparing for it’s daily trip. Before setting up the tripod, I decided to snap a few pictures without the tripod and found the results to be quite interesting. Hope you enjoy this unique view of the Badger!

This happens frequently, but there are two types of those who ask. At times I am annoyed by nosey neighbors. I am on the site to get the job done and I do not appreciate neighbors following me around with millions of questions and solutions to the world’s problems.

On the other hand, concerned neighbors are a good front line of defense against mischievous people who do not have your best interest, or the best interest of your property, at heart.

When you close up you cottage for the winter, it is good that the year round residents know who you are and are able to keep an eye on your property. It may be a good idea to leave your phone number with that neighbor, just in case. If a tree limb falls on your summer cottage, or a neighbor notices a broken window, it would be better to be notified at the time, rather than finding it when you open up in the spring.

If you are far from the summer home, you may want to consider leaving a key with this neighbor. It may prove useful in case of an emergency.

Coming home the other day, with my eye open for a photo op, I pulled over the car over as I noticed a pair of swans on the edge of the lake. I got my camera out and began snapping a few shots. The swans seemed to be posing for me.

I shot a few more, they were agreeable. Usually the waterfowl just are not interested in letting anybody get close. I felt like they were posing for me. I just shot more and more. It was a delight.

And then it was over. The Tammarack Lake swans turned and glided away to perhaps another appointment. I turned and headed back to my car. What I didn’t realize was, another car had parked and watched the same swans and the photographer. The driver of the car said “I am not sure what I enjoyed more, watching the swans pose for you, or you taking their shots”

It’s fall and there is still time to enjoy a Michigan lake.

For the past several years, I have heard reports about a pair of photographers who were doing some amazing work in the Ludington area. After seeing their inspiring photos of Lake Michigan and the Ludington State Park, I had to learn a little bit more.

A father and son team, Brad and Todd Reed own a growing gallery on the main street  in Ludington Michigan.

While exploring their website, we learned about a class they offer two afternoons a week during the summer months, so one summer afternoon my wife and I made plans to attend one of the sessions. We knew we needed to sharpen our skills or, more truthfully, acquire some skills. I was hesitant about spending three hours in a classroom on a beautiful summer afternoon, but we were blown away with what we heard. Time flew by and we wanted to hear more.  Todd was our instructor that afternoon and he shared some of their tips, experiences and ideas. In the evening Todd joined him and our group for a sunset photo shoot. They gave tips and advice on setting up that perfect shot.  But, we found it just as fascinating to watch Todd and Brad setting up their shots and explaining their rational on how they were composing the shot.

One side note, as we were about to leave our home for the class, my wife asked me if I had packed the tripod. I had not, so set the camera down and packed the tripod. About 65 miles into the trip, I asked my wife to erase the shots on the camera.  She asked “Where did you put it?”  Sure enough, we packed the tripod and left the camera on the counter!  Fortunately, we had a spare camera with us and Todd graciously loaned us one of his.  But, we learned a good lesson that day. If you are going to take a camera class, bring a camera! 

Todd and Brad also offer a more detailed class over the course of two days with and early morning shooting session and a sunset shooting session. The weekend includes a review and critique of photos taken and instruction of the technical aspects of photography. They go over shutter speed, F Stops,  ISO, depth of field and much more. They ask you to take the manual to your camera and they help each person individually to understand how their particular camera works. Throughout the entire weekend, I never felt I was asking a dumb question or was wasting their time. They teach you how to take your camera off automatic and get creative.

The morning shoot was in the Ludington State Park and Todd and Brad shared insight on how to catch the morning light and make it work in your photograph.

The evening shoot was on the Lake Michigan shoreline. Yes, the sunset was an object of the lens, but there was so much more to shoot. Todd explained that so many people leave with their cameras as soon as the sun sets, thereby missing some spectacular shots.  I never realized how good the shooting is after the sun goes down.

This is not your ordinary photo class taught by a part time photo enthusiast. Todd and Brad have real passion and flair for what they are doing. Todd  is a former newspaper photographer and instructor. Brad a natural photographer, taught us that photography is an action sport. You have to get right up their where it is happening!

The intent of this site is not to recommend places or businesses, but this site seeks to promote Michigan and when I see someone with a passion for the beauty of Michigan who has the gift of capturing it and sharing this beauty with others, I do not hesitate to recommend them.

Visit their website, sign up on their email list, take their afternoon class, and take their picture perfect weekend class. Visit their gallery on Ludington ave and buy something.